4-aminopyridinium p-aminobenzoate dihydrate (4APAB) compound was synthesized successfully and single crystals were grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study was conducted to evaluate the cell parameters of grown crystal. The crystalline perfection of 4APAB crystal was assessed by HRXRD studies. Thermal studies revealed the thermal stability of grown crystal up to 126 degrees C. The optical transmittance window and lower cut-off wavelength of 4APAB crystal were estimated by using UV-vis-NIR studies. The second harmonic efficiency of 4APAB was measured by powder test using Nd:YAG laser radiation. The dielectric tensor studies revealed that 4APAB crystal shows normal dielectric behavior. The single and multiple shots laser damage threshold values of grown crystal were measured. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.